Assessment of the microbiome associated with endangered orchids

The Orchidaceae (orchid family) is perhaps the most speciose group of flowering plants with approximately 25,000 described species and many thousands of hybrids. While certain mycorrhizal fungi are required for orchids to germinate, these mycorrhizae form just part of a microbial community that interacts with the plant. In this study, we sought a broader picture of the microbiome associated with these plants. A major motivation for our work is the concern that the gaps in our understanding of orchid microbiomes might have important consequences when decisions are made in the management of species of conservation concern. Because of the complexity of their symbiotic interactions, orchids are particularly at risk when faced with habitat loss or the potential effects of climate change. We studied two species of endangered terrestrial orchids in Missouri and, using DNA collected from soil and high throughput sequencing, evaluated the bacterial microbiome associated with these two orchid species.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biological sciences (MU)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Ravelo, Andrea Vanina

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Pires, J. Chris

Statement dc:rights

• OpenAccess.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/69874

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/69874